Baghdad: Today’s newspapers focused on Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi’s sponsorship of the signing of 48 agreements and memoranda of understanding in Washington, and Iraq’s refusal to allow its territory to become an arena for regional conflicts. According to National Iraqi News Agency, Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, during his official visit to the United States, which concluded on Saturday, oversaw the signing of 48 agreements, memoranda of understanding, and economic cooperation agreements between Iraq and the United States.

Al-Zaidi announced the qualification of seven Iraqi banks to resume international correspondent banking services following an agreement between the Central Bank of Iraq and the US Treasury Department. This is considered an important step in reforming the banking sector and strengthening its integration into the global financial system. The agreements and memoranda included cooperation and partnerships between various sectors in Iraq and major US corporations such as ExxonMobil, KBR, GE Vernova, Shell, and Halliburton, as well as agreements in technology, agriculture, and education.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi emphasized the importance of Iraq’s relationship with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during a meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. The discussions focused on financial and administrative reforms aimed at building a more diversified and sustainable national economy. Georgieva expressed appreciation for Iraq’s reform measures and affirmed the IMF’s readiness to provide support.

In another development, Iraq condemned recent attacks on the cities of Erbil and Sulaimaniyah, asserting its refusal to let Iraqi territory become a battleground for regional conflicts. President Nizar Amidi stressed the importance of mutual respect and good neighborliness in regional relations, aiming to preserve sovereignty and stability.

The agreements signed in Washington mark a significant milestone in strengthening the economic partnership between Iraq and the United States, while also addressing Iraq’s banking sector reforms and broader regional security concerns.